A new adventure playground - boasting a 6m (19.7ft)-long wooden dragon - will open next month in Dudley, West Midlands, according to the local authority.

The dragon sculpture - created by local artist Steve Field and wood carver Frank Triggs - will form the centre of a storytelling area at the Sycamore Adventure facility in Sycamore Green. Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (DMBC) said that work being carried out as part of its wider £2.6m Play Pathfinder programme will be completed in time for its scheduled opening in June.

Other equipment, including a sensor room, a desert island with sand pit and a community camp with teepees, will also be installed as part of the new playground. DMBC assistant director for children's services Dave Perrett said: "We have worked very hard with lots of local children and young people to make sure we are offering the very best play opportunities for everyone."

The council's play strategy was one of 15 across the country to be selected by the Department for Children, Schools and Families for the Play Pathfinder scheme.